An introduction to playing positions in Polo (Part Two)
This article is a continuation of playing positions in Polo. The previous part ended on the discussion of the Number two player’s position. Now we will take a look at Number three player position.
Number Three
The fastest and strongest playing position in polo is Number three, also known as the ‘general of the field’. The major responsibilities of Number three are to defend the opponent’s attack up field and hit the ball towards Number one and Number two. Number
three requires strong hand-eye skill and ability to hit accurately for scoring goals from long distance. Number three also blocks the attacks and creates goal scoring chances for other team-mates.
Number three is also responsible to perform two functions at the same time, first to pass the ball to Number one and secondly to defend the hits of the opposing team’s players. Mostly Number three is considered the best player of the team and this number
usually obtained the most caps in the game of Polo. Number three denotes a field leader and playmaker.
The Number three player is a considerably experienced and talented player, who has to formulate a strategy for offensive hits and to block the attacks of opponents. Number three at the same time has to focus on teammates, opponents, horses and ball as well.
The Number three player in most cases is considered best penalty taker. Roy Barry and Bennie Guitierrez were the greatest penalty hitters of World, who played at the Number three position. Number three plays in the middle and at defensive positions in Polo
and hits accurate long distance shots, which make the Number three the best penalty hitter.
Number Four
‘Back’ or Number four player in Polo refers to the most defensive position in the game of Polo. This player is primarily responsible to defend the team from goals and hit back the shots to the other end of the field.
The Number four also forwards the ball by passing it to Numbers three, two and one for scoring goals. Sometimes, Number four also leads the ball towards the goalpost of an opponent’s team.
Meanwhile, the Number four has to defend the hits of an opponent’s Number one player. By giving cover and protection, Number four also provides chances to Number three for offensive hits in the game.
Playing in the position of Number four should be an experienced and skilful player, who can match the opposition’s Number one. This player has to follow the ball and protect any offensive hit from the opponent’s side.
The experienced and legendary defenders, who play at Number four, hold the ball for a little while in order to give their teammates an opportunity to strategically position themselves before receiving passes. Sometimes teammates themselves hit reverse shots
to the Number four in order to adjust their positions.
The Number four player must be skilled in placing the ball and hitting accurate shots from long distances. They must have a grip over the shot as 20 to 40 yards shot is far better than a 90 yards shot towards opposing team players.
Number four player can convert the opponent’s offensive shots into attacking shots and hit back towards other end of the field. The role of the Number four player is also very crucial because the player has to perform two functions at the same time, first
to defend the opponent’s hits, and second, to pass the ball towards teammates.
These positions are flexible in Polo as players in the game can exchange their positions according to the situation. When a Number four player hits the ball towards the goalpost, the Number three covers the position of Number four. Players mostly play in
pairs on the field, giving chances and covering each other.
Despite the difference in positions and placement of the players, one player alone cannot make a goal. A foursome in Polo is like a vehicle, where every player has to move and play together.
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